McKinsey Early Access

McKinsey Early Access

McKinsey Early Access (MEA) will introduce you to our firm and consulting before you start business school and will help you determine if consulting could be the right career for you.

As part of the program, you will connect with peers across multiple campuses in the United States and build relationships with McKinsey consultants. You will also develop a close-knit, diverse, and mentorship-focused community. We hope you will stay in touch with your new community as you start your classes and begin the fall recruiting season.

We are particularly excited to welcome individuals who are problem solvers, entrepreneurial, creative and who are eager to learn more about consulting to join the program.

The program

All McKinsey Early Access applicants will receive: 

  • Education on consulting as a profession
  • Access to webinars throughout the summer that highlight our firm, our people, and our work
  • Information on our 2025 Summer Associate Intern opportunities
  • Recruiting tips to help set you up for success as you enter the recruiting season
  • Invitations to virtual meet-ups with McKinsey recruiters and/or consultants
  • An opportunity to build a peer network with fellow MBA students
  • Priority access to Solve (our innovative assessment game)
  • The chance to explore our offices in the US, Mexico, Canada, and across the globe

Select McKinsey Early Access applicants will receive the above, as well as:

  • Invitations to events and programs hosted by our diversity and inclusion networks, including Inspire and the Women’s Leadership Summit
  • Invitations to small group and one-on-one connectivity opportunities (both virtual and in-person) with our colleagues
  • An introduction to one of the offices you are most interested in
  • Touchpoints with your MBA program’s McKinsey recruiter

For more information on the applicant selection process, please visit our FAQs.

Program Eligibility

You need to be admitted to a full-time MBA program in the United States with an anticipated graduation date of 2026* to apply.

*Please note: the program is limited to students entering full-time programs only. Dual degree program students are also eligible to apply (e.g. MD/MBA, JD/MBA).

To express your interest in McKinsey Early Access, please complete the following form by May 13, 2024.

In order to be considered for Inspire you must indicate interest in the program through the McKinsey Early Access application. When completing the application, you are encouraged to also complete the affinity interest form so that we can tailor your experience and engagement with McKinsey based on those interests.

Sign up for McKinsey Early Access

FAQ

McKinsey Early Access - Morgan

My favorite memory from the program was participating in a happy hour where I was able to meet consultants from the NYC office. I realized how down-to-earth and relatable everyone was and it solidified that consulting was the right fit for me. Plus, I was also able to meet many incoming MBA students in my program – one of which is now one of my best friends at Ross!

Morgan, Incoming Marketing & Sales Summer Associate, Ross '24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
McKinsey Early Access - Andrew

Take every opportunity to learn and get to know your future coworkers. I did, and I found that I truly enjoyed getting to know every person I have met at McKinsey - starting in MEA, through recruitment, and into onboarding. Little did I know, some of those people I met so early on would cheer me on and serve as valuable resources throughout the process. MEA gave me my first glimpse of the Denver office, and, unbeknownst to me at the time, I met some of the members of my summer internship cohort before the recruitment season had even started! As I was transitioning out of the military, it was nice to find some camaraderie and a support network so early on.

Andrew, Incoming Summer Associate, Wharton ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
Hitesh

The MEA program provided invaluable early exposure to the consulting industry, which proved to be a game-changer for me as a career switcher. It was critical for me to understand the ins and outs of the industry before pursuing it further, and the program exceeded my expectations in this regard. The program's squad meetings, one-on-one coffee chats with recruiters and squad leaders, and in-person happy hour events were fantastic networking opportunities that allowed me to forge strong connections with professionals in the field. These connections proved to be instrumental in my success during the recruitment process. Overall, the MEA program provided me with a well-rounded experience, combining both formal and informal settings to provide an extensive understanding of the consulting industry. The program's personalized approach and attention to detail set it apart from others and made it an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to pursue a career in consulting.

Hitesh, Incoming Summer Associate, Darden ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
McKinsey Early Access - Abhineet

I entered business school with a clear goal in mind: to transition from military affairs to business management. My sights were set on becoming a consultant – the type of professional who trades in a uniform for a well-tailored suit and wields the power of synergy like a superhero. Thanks to the pre-MBA program, I was afforded a rare glimpse into the inner workings of McKinsey. Not only did I gain a thorough understanding of the company's culture, values, and work profile, but I also had the opportunity to connect with mentors and find resources. They proved to be an invaluable support system throughout the recruitment process, which can be rather daunting at times. I am deeply grateful for the experience, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone considering a career in consulting or who wishes to explore McKinsey as a potential fit. It was a transformative experience that provided a solid foundation for my future success.

Abhineet, Incoming Summer Associate, Tuck ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant

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